2011 NYIWC Results

Introducing the medal winners from the debut of the NYIWC. This year, the face of wine competitions changes.

May 24th, 2011, New York, NY- The New York International Wine Competition, which welcomed 726 submissions from 17 countries and 14 states within the United States had 2 Gold, 30 Silver and 119 Bronze Medals. The NYIWC also awarded “International Winery of The Year”, “US Winery of The Year”, “International Wine Region of The Year”, “USA Wine Region of The Year” and “Best Value of The Year”. This is the first major international wine competition to be judged solely by members of the trade who have purchasing power through their stores, restaurants, distribution networks and the resulting ability to make a direct impact on brand sales.

Held at the 3 West Club in Midtown Manhattan earlier this month, this year’s judging panel included buyers from the top retail stores, sommeliers, distributors and importers who all donated their time and palates without hesitation or compensation.

Additionally, what sets this competition apart from others where members of the media are included in the judging process is the fact that the New York International Wine Competition judges evaluate wines within their categories at pricing parity. So, for instance, a Cabernet Sauvignon that retails for $30 will be judged with other Cabernet Sauvignons in that price range and not be put up against wines that go for $60.

While keeping to the philosophy that “like should be compared with like” when it comes to pricing, the competition also strives to only award the crème de la crème in a category, instead of handing out medals to every entrant. Only the truly stand-out wines end up in the winner’s circle and then, accordingly, find themselves placed up on wine and liquor store shelves and on the city’s best wine lists. In addition to considering similarly priced bottles against similarly priced bottles, each wine was sampled for appearance, aroma, taste, mouth feel, and finish. Each panel conferred on their choices to come to a unanimous decision.

Wines landing on these shelves are carrying awards designated as either: Gold, Silver, or Bronze though not every bottle entered received a medal, as is common practice with many other competitions. A Bronze medal indicates it is something a judge would buy; Silver medals designate the spirit that judges really liked; Gold medals are affixed to brands that the judging panel believed was worth promoting to their customers.

International Winery of the Year
Cave De Tain of the Rhone Valley, France